DESCRIPTION OF CRISP WINTER HARVEST SALAD
The Crisp Winter Harvest Salad blends the hearty textures and deep flavours of kale and quinoa with the bright bursts of pomegranate and cranberries. Topped with crunchy walnuts and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon dressing, this salad is a nutritious and delicious choice for any meal, providing a colourful addition to your winter table.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Lunch, Dinner, Side
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 6
CUISINE
- Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Boil, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Winter Gatherings
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, High Fibre, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR CRISP WINTER HARVEST SALAD
- Quinoa: 1/2 cup, uncooked
- Kale: 6 cups, chopped
- Pomegranate seeds: 1 cup
- Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 Tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 1/2 tsp
- Honey: 1 Tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approximately 290 per serving
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
PREPARATION FOR CRISP WINTER HARVEST SALAD
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let cool.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine chopped kale, cooked and cooled quinoa, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill to enhance the flavours.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 15 minutes (for quinoa)
TIPS FOR CRISP WINTER HARVEST SALAD
- To soften the kale, massage the leaves with a little olive oil before adding other ingredients.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan dressing alternative.
VARIATIONS
- Add goat cheese or feta for a creamy texture and a boost in flavour.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds, depending on availability or preference.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR CRISP WINTER HARVEST SALAD
- Salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness.
This recipe aligns with a focus on seasonal produce and provides a hearty yet refreshing salad option suitable for various dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to any meal.